Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe To Try

Sweet aromas of chocolate swirl through this decadent chocolate cherry upside down cake, promising pure dessert magic.

Cherries nestled beneath a rich cocoa layer create an irresistible visual and flavor experience.

Rich dark chocolate blends seamlessly with tart fruit, offering a sophisticated twist on classic baking.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dessert stand out from traditional treats.

Layers of moist cake and glistening cherries invite you to indulge in every delectable bite.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will find joy in crafting this elegant masterpiece.

Tempt your taste buds and impress guests with this show-stopping dessert that feels both comforting and extraordinary.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Highlights

• This chocolate cherry upside-down cake transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and spontaneous dessert cravings, this cake comes together faster than traditional layer cakes.
• Equally delightful served warm or at room temperature, making it adaptable for various occasions from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
• Using a pre-made cake mix dramatically reduces preparation time while ensuring consistently delicious results, ideal for bakers of all experience levels.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient mix that provides the rich chocolate flavor and base structure for the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the cake batter and contribute to its tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cake crumb.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity of the cake.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and fruity layer that becomes the cake's delicious top when inverted.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like layer that adds richness and sweetness to the cake.
• Melted Butter: Helps create a smooth base for the brown sugar and prevents sticking.

• Large Serving Platter: Used to invert and present the finished upside-down cake.

Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F and get a 9×13-inch baking pan ready by giving it a light grease coating.

Step 2: Create the Delicious Bottom Layer

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Pour the melted butter into the pan’s bottom, then sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the surface.

Spread cherry pie filling over the sugary butter layer, making sure it covers everything perfectly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Cake Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.

Blend everything together until the batter looks smooth and totally mixed.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Gently pour the chocolate cake batter over the cherry filling.

Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, covering the entire fruity base.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 6: Flip and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Place a large serving platter over the pan and carefully flip the cake upside down.

Remove the pan and reveal the gorgeous cherry-topped chocolate cake.

Serve warm or at room temperature and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Smart Tips for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Ensure complete coverage with softened butter or non-stick spray to prevent cherries from sticking and cake from breaking during inversion.
• Use the toothpick test near the center, ensuring it comes out clean without raw batter for perfect baking results.
• Let eggs and other refrigerated ingredients sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to create smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Select premium pie filling with plump, flavorful cherries for a more vibrant and delicious upside-down cake experience.
• Wait exactly 10 minutes after baking to flip the cake, allowing it to set slightly and prevent structural collapse when turning onto the serving plate.

How to Keep Chocolate Cherry Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if served within 24 hours. Place under a cake dome or cover loosely with foil to preserve moisture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For oven reheating, place cake slice on baking sheet and warm at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Serving Ideas for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a rich port wine or sweet ruby dessert wine to complement the chocolate and cherry flavors, enhancing the cake's deep, fruity profile.
• Creamy Accompaniment: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cake, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding a smooth, cool texture.
• Bold Coffee Match: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's sweetness and highlight the chocolate's intense flavor notes.
• Whipped Cream Garnish: Top the cake with freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of almond extract, adding a light, airy dimension to the rich dessert.

Fun Versions of Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Delight: Replace regular chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this delectable dessert.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Treat: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter, and select a dairy-free chocolate cake mix to create a plant-based version of this classic cake.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Option: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use a sugar-free cherry pie filling to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Cake: Use coconut oil instead of butter and choose a dairy-free chocolate cake mix to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Are the cherries fresh or from a can?

The recipe uses cherry pie filling from a can, which provides a convenient and consistent flavor and texture for the upside-down cake.

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with other flavors like yellow or white cake mix, but chocolate complements the cherries best.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan and a large mixing bowl. A standard hand mixer or whisk works perfectly for mixing the batter.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The baking time is typically 35-40 minutes at 350F.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate cherry upside down cake brings Italian dessert magic to your table with rich cocoa and luscious fruit. Sweet cherries nestled in caramel create a stunning contrast against deep chocolate layers, promising pure dessert bliss for passionate bakers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) water

Fruit and Topping:

• 1 can (21 ounces or 595 grams) cherry pie filling

Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by generously coating with non-stick spray at 350°F (175°C).
2. Drizzle melted butter across the pan’s bottom, creating an even foundation.
3. Distribute brown sugar uniformly over the butter layer, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Gently spread cherry pie filling across the sugared surface, creating a vibrant base layer.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency.
6. Delicately pour the chocolate batter over the cherry layer, using a spatula to guarantee an even distribution.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes, enabling slight cooling and setting.
9. Position a large serving platter atop the pan and execute a swift, confident inversion to reveal the glossy cherry topping.
10. Serve immediately while warm or allow to cool to room temperature for a delectable dessert experience.

Notes

• Check cherry distribution to ensure even coverage across the cake’s surface for consistent fruity flavor in every bite.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create a smoother, more uniform cake batter with better overall texture.
• Consider using fresh cherries as an alternative to pie filling for a more natural, less sweet variation that adds brightness to the dessert.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap standard chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version and verify all ingredients are celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg